Simon and Susan Veness, a husband-and-wife travel-writing team based in Florida, are co-authors of the Brit Guide to Orlando & Walt Disney World. Follow Simon and Susan on Twitter: @VenessTravelMe1.

Undeniably luxurious, Rosen Shingle Creek avoids the “pretentious” trap with a casual-elegant ambiance that encourages visitors to be as swanky or as touristy as they like.

Who goes?

Serious golf fanatics, well-heeled families, business travellers who demand perfection, couples seeking to escape unsupervised children running through the hallways.

Location

8/10

Set on 230 acres well away from the main tourist area, the resort is a haven, with easy access to key local roads.

Style/character

9/10

This massive edifice pulls off “intimate” in grand, 1900s Spanish Revival style. All rooms have an exceptional view over the wraparound golf course, some overlook Shingle Creek, the headwaters to the Florida Everglades. Natural beauty nestles up to manicured grounds in which there’s a fitness centre, tennis, basketball, sand volleyball and fishing. The high-tech Brad Brewer Golf Academy offers golf instruction, and Shingle Creek Spa pampers with personalised treatments.

Service

9/10

The epitome of gracious professionalism.

Rooms

9/10

The 1,500 rooms and suites, ranging in size from 436sq ft to 1,700sq ft, have royal red and gold accents, signature “Creek Sleeper” beds dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets, and complimentary Wi-Fi and mini-fridge.

Food and drink

10/10

The steakhouse, A Land Remembered, and Cala Bella Italian Bistro earn their distinction as Four Diamond restaurants. Harris Ranch prime Black Angus beef takes steaks to a new level and the award-winning pastry chef David Ramirez creates works of art in chocolate.

Value for money

9/10

Five-star service with a five-star price, but worth it for the blissful peace and quiet not easily found in Orlando. Rooms from £135.

Access for guests with disabilities

Yes.

Family-friendly?

Families are welcome and children are well catered for, but the overall atmosphere is firmly in adult territory.